KinartaN°001
Kinneret Moshava, Israel
Sea View
From $9,000 per night
The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias or Kinneret, is Israel's storied freshwater lake set below sea level. Luxury villas in the Sea of Galilee place you beside biblical landmarks, hot springs and tranquil shores, with private pools and concierge service for a refined lakeside retreat.
- Curated luxury villas with private pools and panoramic lake views
- Walking distance to Tiberias landmarks and the Yigal Alon Promenade
- Hamat Tiberias hot springs, prized since Roman times
- Sites linked to New Testament accounts of Jesus
- Concierge service and direct booking with Smiling House
Known forBiblical pilgrimage sites, the world's lowest freshwater lake, hot springs and waterfront resorts
Best time to visitSpring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for warm, comfortable days
Nearest airportBen Gurion Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv, roughly two hours by road
Ideal forCouples, families and groups seeking pilgrimage, wellness and lakeside relaxation
HarmonyN°002
Kinneret Moshava, Israel
Sea View
From $9,000 per night
DuetN°003
Kinneret Moshava, Israel
Sea View
From $9,000 per night
Exclusive villa With Private Heated PoolN°004
Sea of Galilee, Israel
From $3,826 per night
Modern Luxury Villa with Jacuzzi & Pool in MigdalN°005
Sea of Galilee, Israel
Private Pool
From $3,744 per night
Amazing Luxury House right on the Sea of GalileeN°006
Sea of Galilee, Israel
From $3,593 per night
52homes available
1–15bedrooms
up to 60guests
20with a pool
Events not to miss in Sea of Galilee
- January
Tiberias Marathon
The lowest marathon on earth, run on a flat, fast course along the shores of the Sea of Galilee at around 200 metres below sea level. Mild winter temperatures make it a spectator-friendly day.
- May
Jacob's Ladder Festival
Israel's long-running folk, country and blues festival, held on the lake's north-western shore, draws a friendly international crowd for a weekend of open-air music.
- Autumn
Sea of Galilee Swim
One of the world's oldest open-water swimming events, in which thousands cross a stretch of the Kinneret. A festive lakeside day even for those staying dry.
- September or October
Sukkot holiday week
During the week-long Sukkot holiday, Israeli families flock to the Galilee for camping, cycling and lakeside celebration. Book villas well ahead and enjoy the region at its most animated.
Sea of Galilee through the seasons
- Spring (March – May)
Galilee hills in bloom
Wildflowers carpet the surrounding hills, the lake sits full from winter rains and temperatures are perfect for the Jesus Trail, Mount Arbel and the Golan's waterfalls.
- Summer (June – September)
Warm-water lake season
Long, hot days made for swimming, kayaking and waterskiing on the Kinneret. A villa with a private pool and shaded terrace is the right way to ride out the afternoon heat.
- Autumn (October – November)
Holiday season and gentle light
The heat breaks, Sukkot fills the lakeshore with festivity and the Galilee's vineyards finish their harvest. A rewarding season for combining the lake with Golan winery visits.
- Winter (December – February)
Green valleys and quiet shores
Mild by European standards, with the landscape at its greenest and historic sites like Capernaum and Tiberias at their calmest. Clear days can even bring snow views on Mount Hermon.
The Area
The Sea of Galilee, called Lake Tiberias, Kinneret or Kinnereth, is a freshwater lake in northern Israel and one of the lowest lakes on Earth, lying between roughly 209 and 215 metres below sea level. Ringed by green hills, basalt shores and ancient towns, it has drawn Christian pilgrims for centuries to the places where, according to the New Testament, Jesus walked on water, calmed the storm and fed the multitude. Today the lake balances spiritual heritage with easy leisure: warm waters, lakeside promenades and a gentle, slow-paced rhythm. Nearby areas such as Livnim and the wider Lower Galilee add vineyards, olive groves and viewpoints, making the shoreline an ideal base for a private, comfortable villa stay.
Where to Stay in Luxury Villas in the Sea of Galilee
Tiberias, on the lake's western edge, is the natural hub and a convenient base for exploring the region, with its waterside promenade lined by attractions, cafes and historic churches. For more seclusion, hillside hamlets such as Livnim and the surrounding Lower Galilee offer privacy among orchards and open views down to the water. Our curated collection of luxury villas in the Sea of Galilee ranges from contemporary residences with private pools and floor-to-ceiling lake views to characterful homes set among vineyards. Each comes with concierge support to arrange transfers, private chefs and excursions. Book direct with Smiling House for prime lakeside locations and a tailored, unhurried stay.
Things to Do
Begin in Tiberias along the Yigal Alon Promenade, home to most of the town's attractions and perfect for a lakeside stroll. Visit the 19th-century Church of St Peter, built over a Crusader castle, with its serene cloister and ship-shaped apse honouring Peter's fishing boat. Around the corner on HaYarden Street lies the open-air sculpture museum, while a southward walk reaches the Greek Orthodox Monastery of 1862. Inland sit important Jewish tombs. Two kilometres south, the Hamat Tiberias hot springs have been a spa destination since Roman times, their natural pools offering deep relaxation. Boat trips, lakeside cycling and pilgrimage routes around the shore complete an itinerary that blends history, faith and wellness.
Dining and Nightlife
Lakeside dining is a highlight, with fresh St Peter's fish, mezze and local produce served at waterfront tables. The Setai Sea of Galilee's elegant lounge bar restaurant invites guests to linger over local wines and spirits and a fresh daily menu, its soothing interior of wood, basalt stone and black metal framing an intoxicating view across the water. After dark, brightly lit cruise boats organised by the Kinneret Sailing Company set out from Lido Kinneret Beach on summer evenings, offering music, dancing and a lively way to see the lake by night. For a quieter end to the day, your villa terrace and a glass of Galilee wine are hard to better.
When to Visit
Spring, from March to May, brings wildflowers, warm days and comfortable lake temperatures, making it the most rewarding season for sightseeing and outdoor leisure. Autumn, from September to November, offers similar mild conditions with fewer visitors and pleasant evenings for waterfront dining. Summer is hot, especially given the below-sea-level setting, though the lake and villa pools provide welcome relief and the night cruises come into their own. Winter is cooler and quieter, ideal for spa visits to the hot springs and contemplative pilgrimage without the crowds. For a balance of fine weather and atmosphere, the shoulder seasons suit a luxury villa stay best.
Getting There
Most visitors arrive via Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv, roughly a two-hour drive from Tiberias and the lake. A hire car is the most flexible way to explore the shoreline and the hills of Lower Galilee, while private transfers can be arranged through our concierge for a seamless arrival. The region connects easily to other northern highlights, including Nazareth and the Golan Heights, making the Sea of Galilee a strong base for a wider Israeli itinerary. Once settled in your villa, the lakeside towns, springs and pilgrimage sites are all within comfortable reach by road.